Casillas: I will see out my Madrid contract

The Madrid keeper was instrumental in the draw against Juventus, while goalscorer Gareth Bale is looking to cement the Blancos' spot in the last 16

06.11.2013 09:55:10

Real Madrid captain Iker Casillas has revealed that he intends to stay at the club until at least the end of his contract following his starring role in securing a 2-2 draw at Juventus in the Champions League.
The goalkeeper made a number of fine saves throughout the game and helped Madrid secure the point which moves them a draw away from the knock-out stages of the tournament for yet another campaign.
And, despite being used as a reserve goalkeeper behind Diego Lopez in La Liga, the club skipper - whose contract runs out in 2017 - insisted he has no intention of leaving the Santiago Bernabeu any time soon.
"Of course I'll end the year in Madrid," he told reporters. "I said it last time, but some people always try to misinterpret me.
"My intention is to stay in January and July and until the end of my current contract. I don't know what could happen from here to one year or more.
"I’m happy. These days it's difficult to get into the team so when I have the opportunity to play I have to be at my maximum level in order that the coach keeps faith in me. It's not easy only playing every two weeks, but that’s the way it is."
Casillas was also eager for Madrid to book their place in the round of 16 and revealed that Juve goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon took him aside to praise his performance after the full-time whistle.
"I'm happy that Buffon offered me his congratulations at the end of the game," he continued. “We've won 10 points from 12 which in the Champions League is very good.
"We are only one step from the next round. We are fine in the Champions League and we want to qualify in the coming weeks. This clash against Juventus came at a good time for us and now we can focus more in La Liga and try to come back."
Winger Gareth Bale, who scored his first Champions League goal for Madrid in his first start for the club, was happy with his impact on the match and pledged to continue working hard to cement his place in the team.
“Personally, I'm happy to be anywhere on the pitch. The whole team are very nice to me and I must continue working hard,” he said.
“We knew that it would be difficult. This is a good result, even if we wanted to win. We did well, but the important thing is to be qualified. And we wanted to do it as soon as possible.”